He didn't request an increase, but commissioners agreed that one re commended by the county manager was warranted

Although he didn't request an increase, Lincoln County Attorney Alan Morel's contract was renewed for another year with a 5 percent hike in the flat monthly fee charged for his services and his staff.

The new contract marks 25 years as county attorney, Morel said.

An increase of 3 percent, amounting to $471.75 per month, or of 5 percent, totaling $786.25 per month, was suggested by County Manager Nita Taylor.

"The attorney's current contract for the calendar year 2015 is a flat fee of $15,725 plus $1,356.28 in tax per month, which includes all fees and costs except litigation of individual cases of ordinance violations in magistrate and district courts," Taylor told commissioners at their December meeting.

Based on a comparison of actual hours worked by Morel and his staff, the county realized a savings of $66,096 for 11 months last year by going with a flat rate billing, she said.

"Attorney Morel's institutional knowledge of Lincoln County's past and current legal issues enables him to provide the county commission, other public officials, the manager and our entire staff with sound legal advice and representation in a manner that minimizes the county's risk," Taylor said. "Although (Morel) has not proposed to renegotiate a new flat rate for (2016), I recommend the commission increase his monthly flat fee."

A motion to increase by 5 percent was offered by Commissioner Dallas Draper and seconded by Chairman Preston Stone.

"Any time, I had to contact (Morel) on an issue, he's right there and I receive an answer within 24 hours," County Treasurer Beverly Calaway said. "I appreciate everything he's done for my office as an elected official. I support (an increase)."

The motion passed unanimously.

Professional officials such as Morel usually are awarded contracts in potential blocks of four years between bids with annual renewals.